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NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
RU58841, also known as PSK3841 or HMR3841, is a synthetic, nonsteroidal anti-androgen initially developed in the 1980s by French pharmaceutical company Roussel Uclaf. RU58841 has garnered significant interest due to its topical efficacy in preventing androgen-driven hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and potentially treating acne through selective androgen receptor blockade without systemic hormonal suppression.
Chemical Name: RU58841 (PSK3841, HMR3841)
Chemical Classification: Nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist
Mechanism: Direct and selective antagonism at androgen receptors
Administration Route: Primarily topical application; designed for local scalp or skin use to minimize systemic effects.
RU58841 exerts its effects through potent and selective blockade of androgen receptors (AR):
Specifically binds to AR with high affinity, preventing androgenic hormones (such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone [DHT]) from binding and activating AR-mediated transcription.
Intended primarily for topical use to achieve localized anti-androgenic effects on hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically, reducing the risk of systemic hormonal side effects associated with traditional oral anti-androgens.
RU58841 is primarily researched and utilized experimentally for two major conditions:
Shown to effectively prevent and potentially reverse androgenic hair loss by protecting hair follicles from the miniaturization effects induced by DHT.
Experimental evidence (preclinical and anecdotal) suggests superior local anti-androgenic effects compared to systemic treatments (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride), potentially with fewer systemic side effects.
Potentially reduces androgen-mediated sebaceous gland activity and oil production, indicating experimental promise as an anti-acne topical therapy.
Due to RU58841’s status as an experimental research compound, no standardized clinical dosing guidelines exist. Typical experimental usage based on preclinical studies and anecdotal experiences include:
Topical Concentration: Commonly used at concentrations between 3–8% in alcohol or vehicle-based solutions (most common: 5%).
Application Frequency: Typically applied once daily to affected scalp areas.
Experimental Duration: Often used long-term (months to years) experimentally to maintain efficacy.
Note: Above dosages and methods are experimental; clinical validation through rigorous human trials remains lacking.
RU58841 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in experimental topical application contexts. However, clinical safety data remain limited:
Mild scalp irritation, redness, or itching at the application site (rarely reported).
Transient dryness or minor flaking of scalp or skin.
While designed to minimize systemic absorption, rare anecdotal reports suggest possible systemic anti-androgenic effects (e.g., reduced libido or mood changes), though data are anecdotal and unverified.
Comprehensive long-term safety data remain limited, necessitating caution and further research.
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to unknown teratogenic potential and safety).
Individuals with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to anti-androgenic compounds.
Precautions:
Individuals using concurrent hormonal therapies or systemic anti-androgens should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals due to theoretical cumulative effects.
RU58841 is not approved by major health regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, Health Canada) for human therapeutic use.
Marketed primarily as a research chemical explicitly labeled "not for human consumption."
No pharmaceutical-grade, officially regulated formulations are commercially available, raising quality, purity, and consistency concerns.
Preclinical Research:
Robust animal studies confirm significant anti-androgenic effects on hair growth and sebaceous gland function with minimal systemic effects.
Human Clinical Trials:
Extremely limited clinical research; initial small-scale human studies from the early 2000s showed promising preliminary efficacy in androgenetic alopecia, but robust clinical trials remain lacking.
Ongoing interest but limited institutional funding or industry support, restricting the progress of clinical validation.
Limitations and Research Needs:
Lack of comprehensive clinical data and standardized trials in humans.
Need for robust evaluation of long-term safety, efficacy, optimal dosing, formulation stability, and potential systemic impacts.
Potential Benefits | Potential Risks and Limitations |
---|---|
Effective localized anti-androgenic activity | Limited long-term human safety and efficacy data |
Potentially superior topical hair-loss therapy | Regulatory uncertainty and quality concerns |
Reduced systemic side effects compared to oral anti-androgens | Anecdotal reports of mild systemic effects |
Possible treatment for androgen-related acne | Lack of standardized formulations and dosing guidelines |
Large-scale, controlled human clinical trials to definitively confirm efficacy, safety, and optimal topical dosing protocols.
Long-term safety evaluations to assess potential chronic side effects and systemic impacts.
Standardization and regulation of manufacturing practices to ensure quality, purity, and safety of formulations.
RU58841 is a highly selective topical anti-androgenic compound demonstrating significant potential for treating androgenic alopecia and possibly acne through potent localized androgen receptor blockade. Despite promising preclinical evidence and anecdotal reports, critical gaps remain, including insufficient clinical trials, uncertain long-term safety, regulatory concerns, and the absence of standardized formulations. Individuals interested in experimental use must approach RU58841 cautiously, recognizing the current limitations and unknowns surrounding its clinical validity and safety.
Brouwer, A., et al. (1997). "Effects of RU58841, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on hair growth in the bald scalp of stump-tailed macaques." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 109(4), 518–522.
Battmann, T., et al. (1994). "Pharmacological profile of RU58841, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen for topical application." The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1), 55–60.
Pan, H. J., et al. (2005). "Permeation of RU58841 across human scalp skin." International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 301(1-2), 101–108.
Disclaimer:
This comprehensive review is provided solely for educational purposes. RU58841 is an experimental research chemical not approved by health regulatory authorities for human therapeutic use. Always consult healthcare professionals before considering experimental compounds or treatments.